Musician David McCredie launches petition to overturn busk ban at Coogee’s ‘Rainbow walkway’

A musician, who previously appeared on The Voice, has launched a petition to allow busking at Coogee’s ‘Rainbow Walkway’ after being warned of fines if he performed at the beachside location.

David McCredie performing at the rainbow in Coogee. Photo: Instagram

A musician, who previously appeared on The Voice, has launched a petition to allow busking at Coogee’s ‘Rainbow Walkway’.

David McCredie, who recently toured Australia with his brother Pete, posted on social media that he had been sent an email from Randwick Council warning of future fines if he did not stop busking at the beachside location.

McCredie has since launched a Change.org petition and is calling for 10,000 signatures to support live entertainment at the ‘Rainbow’.

He said, in an social media post, after serenading Coogee locals across the past year people may had noticed he hadn’t been busking at the location in recent months.

The hiatus was a result of an email sent by Randwick Council advising he would fined if he didn’t stop busking at the site. He told his followers the council wasn’t allowing any amplifications or PA systems at the rainbow and said the move was a “great shame” for the community and for himself personally.

After being told he could continue performing by getting a ‘special’ permit about two months ago, McCredie said he was soon told by council that would no longer be the case due to a ban on amplified music.

“From a community side, it’s actually a shame, I know how much the community loves live music,” he told this publication.

“I have had a few locals ask me when I’m coming back, but I’m just stuck at the moment … it just makes me sad, I think Coogee is one of the greatest spots to play music, the community love it and everyone gets around it.”

Since expressing on social media he hadn’t had any luck in speaking to council about the issue, Randwick councillors have reached out to McCredie as well as mayor Dylan Parker who also commented on his Instagram post that he was “looking into it and will advise”.

Mr McCredie said he was hoping to have a conversation with Mr Parker to “resolve whatever issues there are” and he believed with community support “we can make it happen”.

The petition has already attracted 1182 signatures and many residents have expressed their support for Mr McCreadie on community Facebook pages.

“That’s just so short sighted of council. The busking was fabulous. I’ll sign the petition,” Irina Levin commented.

“This is so sad. Music brings life and atmosphere. I am sure a lot of businesses benefit people making purchases they can enjoy at the stairs as well,” Keegan Taylah said.

However, as summer approaches, some locals agreed with the busking bans.

“I’d rather hear waves and water. Obviously, there are others who feel the same way,” Christina Mimmocchi said.

“I quite like the peace and quiet at my Coogee beach. it’s beautiful and tranquil, the buskers attract more people so busier and not as lovely for me,” Natasha Randall said.

Randwick Council has been contacted for comment.