Iconic SLSQ figure Trevor Hendy denies mutiny rumours over controversial vaccine stance

A prominent Gold Coast businessman has slammed Trevor Hendy for being an ‘anti-vaxxer’ and ‘loose cannon’, as the surf sport hero dismisses rumours of a mutiny.

A prominent Gold Coast businessman has slammed Trevor Hendy for being an ‘anti-vaxxer’ and ‘loose cannon’, as the surf sport hero dismisses rumours of a mutiny.

Lifesaving legend Trevor Hendy admits he’s under pressure as president of Surfers Paradise Surf Club after “free-choice” Covid vaccine comments - but won’t back down.

His recent appearances at anti-vaccination rallies and social media comments angered and upset rank-and-file clubbies.

Richard Holliday of RJH Consulting said Mr Hendy was being paraded as “some sort of saviour of free speech”.

“Oh please spare us the lecture by well-know anti-vaxxer Trevor Hendy,” Mr Holliday said.

“Mr Hendy is a loose cannon and has been allowed a degree of latitude as an SLSC official, and on the surface the Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club and the governing body appear powerless to intervene.

“(He) is the bloke in your street that would leave his lights on with curtains open during the London Bombing Blitz and blame others for the misfortune because nobody tells Trevor Hendy what to do.”

Surf life saving icon Trevor Hendy has spoken out over rumblings to oust him as Surfers Paradise Surf Club president. Picture: Jerad Williams

It comes as Hendy recently went head to head with Gold Coast athlete Matt Poole, who sparked a war of words on Instagram over pro-vaccination views. The fiery debate saw world surfing champion Kelly Slater rush to Hendy’s defense.

A senior club member said Hendy’s stance was “very disappointing”.

“He just can’t separate (his views) from the fact he is president. He can say he’s speaking as an individual all he likes but it doesn’t wash.

“It sets a bad example for everyone – fellow members, staff and patrons, all of whom have to be vaccinated to enter the club.

“SLSQ needs to step up and address it because it’s not a good look for the club or the movement.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland has mandated all active lifesavers, competitors and patrollers, get vaccinated by March 31.

Hendy, aware of the rumblings but steadfast in his views, said he was a “free-choice” advocate and told the Bulletin on Thursday it “took away people’s right to choose” and he was “actively debating” the mandate rule.

“With March 31 looming, I’m not sure what that means as far as me being president but I’ll do my best to look after the club in the meantime.

“I can say unequivocally if nothing changes by next year the club will lose a lot of members,” Hendy said.

Father son duo TJ and Trevor Hendy. Picture: Luke Marsden

Hendy said he’d had “an overwhelming amount of support” from several members, thanking him for his stance.

“It brought me to tears knowing so many have stood behind me and personally thanked me for giving them a voice,” he said.

“To be honest I’m not surprised when someone is upset over something I’ve said or done. It’s coming from a place of fear.

“These people have every right to voice their opinion but I’ve never been a guy to follow what the norm is. I’ve always walked my own path.”

His public comments were as a member of the community and not surf club president.

“I’m sick of seeing people at the club who want to voice their own opinion being humiliated or told to shut up.

“I find it funny anyone questioning my beliefs say it’s not representative of the club as a whole. We have 700 members, all of whom have their own opinions.

“I care about every single one of them and the conversation and debate is not over.”

Patrons checking into the the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club on the first day of the Queensland Government’s vaccine mandate roll out. Picture: Jerad Williams

Hendy said he had the backing of the committee, despite rumours to remove him as president.

A SLSQ spokesperson said: “The views expressed by Mr Hendy are personal and are not reflective of the organisation’s policies in relation to Covid-19 vaccinations for members.”

The spokesperson said as no formal complaints had been made against Hendy’s stance they would not comment on unrest within the club.

Hendy’s son TJ indicated he would be getting the jab after qualifying for next month’s Nutri-Grain series in Sydney, where he will need to be fully vaccinated to re-enter Queensland.

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