Tweed Greens delete Facebook photos after Covid protocol questions

The Tweed Greens members have apologised for posing huddled together in a large group on Sunday amid NSW’s escalating Covid crisis.

Members of the Tweed Greens have embarrassingly deleted a social media post from their weekend campaign launch after it raised eyebrows for including a group of 24 people huddled together and linking arms.

The photos were shared on Facebook by the Tweed Greens Facebook page and Richmond candidate and comedian Mandy Nolan but both posts were promptly taken down after The Daily Telegraph contacted them for a comment.

The photographs also feature Tweed Shire councillor Katie Milne.

The gathering at the Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe in Fingal Head in Northern NSW showed people standing close together, with several linking arms and touching.

While not legally required to wear masks and socially distance, the state’s health authorities have been pleading with residents across all of NSW for days to take these precautions as case numbers escalated rapidly.

Ms Nolan said she regretted taking the photograph and not wearing masks.

“While the rest of the event met Covid guidelines, the taking of this photo was a regrettable mistake and masks should have been worn and people socially distanced,” Ms Nolan said.

The photos were taken down after The Daily Telegraph’s inquiries. Picture: Supplied

“While it’s easy to make momentary slips, it’s essential we all remain vigilant. We are reviewing our guidelines to ensure this mistake doesn’t happen again.”

Ms Milne was also contacted for a response.

Shadow Minister Police and the North Coast Walt Secord said the Tweed Greens were setting a poor example for the community which has a large population of elderly residents.

Ms Nolan said the photo was a mistake. Picture: Supplied

“The lack of Covid measures shown in the photographs was very disappointing but more importantly downright dangerous,” Mr Secord said.

“The North Coast has the highest percentage of vulnerable elderly residents in the nation so we have a responsibility to act responsibly. We must protect the regions and the elderly in those communities.

“We are all in this together. We agree to socially distance and wear masks.

“A tiny mistake or an oversight can be easily explained, but this was a major political campaign launch attended by Green candidates and their supporters. They should be setting an example, not putting the community at risk.”