Thousands at the reclaim the line, anti-mandate protest in Coolangatta
School teachers, an actor and an ironman were among thousands at another anti-vax rally at the Queensland-NSW border ahead of the state reopening on Monday. WATCH THE VIDEO
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SCHOOL teachers, an actor and an ironman were among thousands at another anti-vaccine mandate rally at the Queensland-NSW border ahead of the state reopening on Monday.
Gold Coast’s champion Ironman Trevor Hendy and former Home and Away starlet Isabel Lucas joined soon-to-be unemployed healthcare workers, educators and first responders at the corner of Coolangatta’s Griffith Street to protest the Queensland Government’s controversial vaccine mandate.
It means from December 17, only the double vaccinated can enter non-essential venues including pubs, cafes, restaurants, stadiums and festivals.
Organisers estimate 6000 attendees took part with both Australian ensign and indigenous flags on display during the group’s march along Boundary St.
Mandates, to come into effect on Friday, are tipped to have a widespread impact on some industries, with employees still choosing to remain unvaccinated despite repeated warnings they will lose their jobs.
It follows the shock revelation State MPs will be exempt from vaccine mandates in Queensland Parliament under a new directive to come into effect December 18.
Members entering for parliamentary business will be exempt but will be prohibited from visiting dining areas, cafeterias, coffee shops or bars.
A total 92 of Queensland’s 93 MPs are reportedly vaccinated. One Nation’s Stephen Andrew was the only member who did not confirm his status.
Mr Hendy – the ex-golden boy of Surf Lifesaving – said his own livelihood had been impacted due to his stance on the mandates.
“They’ve impacted me, I’m not travelling out of the state and at this point in time I’m choosing to back my health,” he explained.
“It’s changed my income massively but I don’t really care. If I get (the jab) done so I can get my income back then that means they’re closer to my grandkids.”
“We’ve all been thrown one answer and I’m not comfortable with that answer. They’re getting closer and closer to jabbing our five, six, seven year olds and I’m not okay with that.”
Anti-mandate protestors set off for their march along Coolangatta’s Boundary St @GCBulletinpic.twitter.com/8nZsX82nsr
— Kaitlyn Smith (@kaitlynsmthnews) December 12, 2021
The grandfather-of-three made headlines last month after he and pro surfer Kelly Slater clashed online with fellow Ironman Matt Poole over vaccine mandates.
Despite the firey back and forth, Mr Hendy confirmed all was well between the pair again: “I just saw him two days ago and gave him a big hug,” he said.
“I’ve reached out to those guys and sent them all messages and told them I loved them.”
When asked whether the now-life coach supported Surf Life Saving Queensland’s vaccine mandate he replied: “No, not at all.”
“I don’t back it and support it, but I’m still a lifesaver through and through, and I still support lifesaving but I don’t support that stance. I understand they’re doing what they’ve been told what to do.”
Known anti-vaxxer Ms Lucas, once a star of Hollywood blockbuster Transformers, has become a familiar face in the crowd at recent protests.
Meanwhile, Coolangatta – a virtual ghost town in recent months – was again inundated with foot traffic as peaceful adults and children took to the streets.
Police confirmed protestors were well behaved and no arrests were made.
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Originally published as Thousands at the reclaim the line, anti-mandate protest in Coolangatta
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