A GoFundMe page has been set up for a Gold Coast man fined for helping rescue whale calf amid social media frenzy
Social media support has exploded for the lone Gold Coast man in a tinnie who helped save a whale caught in a shark nets this morning, with anger building over the actions of authorities.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A GoFundMe Page has been set up for the Gold Coast man who helped free a trapped whale calf off the Gold Coast this morning.
Currently only know as ‘Django’, the diver who was originally looking a manta ray off the Burleigh coast has landed a mountain of support from social media.
While he claims he was “only doing the right thing”, digital onlookers have taken to social media to call the man a hero, with some even donating to help him pay any fines he may incur, with a GoFundMe Page now totalling over $600 at 3pm this afternoon.
Django was clearly under the impression he had been fined when he spoke to media, but authorities say that is not yet the case.
“Not all heroes wear capes, some have a heart and a dingy!” one commenter said
“He did what the proper authorities didn't. Let them pay his fines. Awesome work mate” another said.
“He was doing what any decent human being would do. Those who fined him need to take a good look at themselves!” one exclaimed
While Django did admit a fine was “a small price to pay” and the amount would be “manageable”, he understood why rules like that are in place.
“I don’t think drumlines are a good idea, sharks don’t swim to the bottom of it, they swim around it.” he said.
“The people at the fisheries do a good job, and they needed to do what they needed to do and let me know what the reason why I got it (fined.) he said
Despite the fine, Django did admit he will be back in the water tomorrow.
"Of course, I’ll be back in the water tomorrow, the surf’s pumping" he said.
Has Labor lost the regions to Qld’s ‘de facto National Party’?
Katter’s Australian Party claims its support base is surging in the aftermath of Labor’s state election drubbing, and it’s a shift in dynamic that could have major implications for both parties in regional Queensland.
They just sang while she died: Neighbours haunted by religious chants for Elizabeth
For two days the parents of little Elizabeth Struhs and their fellow religious fanatics sang and prayed as she lay dying. Only after her tragic death have neighbours realised what the chants they overheard signified.