North Burnett cafe’s event protesting vaccination mandates prompts anger

A Gayndah cafe has been forced to rebrand an anti-vaccination mandate event, after community members slammed it for ‘desecrating’ the memory of the Anzacs.

A Gayndah cafe and its owner have moved to rebrand an event protesting proposed vaccination mandates, after community members were outraged at a flyer calling for participants to “stand with the Anzacs”.

In a post that has since been removed, Nourished On Capper and its owner Julie Zahl called for anyone concerned about the proposed mandates and “threats to our freedom” to turn up at the cafe this Saturday.

“Come and gather with other people who also have the heart of the Anzacs and let’s stand together for freedom,” the flyer read.

The post sparked heated debate in the comments, with many finding the references to the Anzacs offensive.

“Have your meeting, but all we’ve asked is don’t have reference to the Anzacs, it is disrespectful and I’m sure they wouldn’t have been carrying on like this with protests, rallies and meeting,” one user wrote.

“What has your anti-vax stance have to do with the Anzac Spirit, Do not desecrate their memory,” wrote another.

Others agreed with the post.

“This is not desecrating their memory. They fought for our freedom which we are losing,” wrote one supporter.

Attempts to contact Ms Zahl for comment were unsuccessful.

However the post was removed and a new flyer posted in its place, with references to the Anzacs removed.

Ms Zahl wrote on the post that the previous flyer had been “misinterpreted”.

Nourished on Capper owner Julie Zahl

“With all due respect to those who have labelled us, and stated we are desecrating the Anzac memory, you have misinterpreted the previous post and are far from the truth of the matter,” she said.

“No offence was intended, and apologies to anyone who was upset by it.

“We are not standing and representing the Anzacs, we are standing in the same spirit they carried to protect our country.”

She then went onto claim she “honoured” and “held in highest esteem and respect” those who fought for Australia, before issuing an all-caps warning.

“IT’S NOT ABOUT THE VAX! IT’S ABOUT FREEDOM TO CHOOSE! WHEN WE LOSE OUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE, WE’RE ON A SLIPPERY SLOPE!”

From December 17, only fully vaccinated people will be able to attend hospitality venues such as hotels, pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants or cafes and indoor entertainment venues such as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas.