Gold Coast Meter Maids of Surfers Paradise: Owner Roberta Aitchison on what future holds

The owner of the world-famous Gold Coast Meter Maids who have strutted their stuff in gold bikinis in tourism hubs for decades has revealed what their future holds.

The iconic Surfers Paradise Meter Maids are no longer strutting their stuff on the streets - with no return date.

Meter Maids Estefania Marquez and Kelly Maybury. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Brand owner Roberta Aitchison vowed to return to Surfers Paradise in 2020, but has since revealed those plans have come to nought.

With no coined meters and local touting laws hampering her operation, Ms Aitchison reveals she has been forced to reinvent what was once a major Gold Coast attraction and part of the fabric of the Glitter Strip.

Roberta Aitchison (right) with Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

Ms Aitchison, once a Meter Maid herself who infamously posed in Penthouse, said: “We’re still doing functions - we’re just not allowed on the street.”

In recent years Meter Maids - decked out in the famed akubra hats and barely there golden bikinis - walked the streets selling calendars, merchandise and getting donations to pose for photos.

Roberta Aitchison with meter maids Kelly Maybury, left, and Jaqueline Paula, right. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“The reason they (Council) wanted to stop the photos was because we got a donation for it so they stopped me doing that.

“You can’t take money on the street, you can’t sell your product on the street - they pretty much cut my throat,” she said.

Ms Aitchison claimed “verbal harassment” of her staff by city council officials prompted her to remove them from the Glitter Strip streets in central Surfers Paradise and along its beachfront in 2019.

“It was embarrassing,” she said.

Meter Maids owner Roberta Aitchison. Picture: Jerad Williams

Ms Aitchison said she still intends a “comeback” of some degree, just not yet.

“I intend to put the energy into it, I just keep coming against the same brick walls,” she said.

“Apparently I can have a sponsor but (Surfers Paradise councillor) Darren Taylor said I won’t be back out there under his watch.”

Touting and handing out promotional material in a public place is regulated pursuant to the City’s Local Law No.5 (Distribution of Business Advertising Publications and Touting) 2008.

A City of Gold Coast spokesperson said: “The city acts on complaints as well as proactively regulating these matters.”

Meter Maids owner Roberta Aitchison with a fellow Meter Maid back in the 1980s when they were the Surfers Paradise Chamber of Commerce Meter Maids.

Mayor Tom Tate said while he was “pro small business”, it was important for businesses to comply with local laws.

“In life, we all have to comply with rules and regulations,” Mr Tate said. “Our city has 76,000 registered small businesses who comply with local laws.

“That’s all council asks of small business and that includes the Meter Maids. No one is exempt.’’

The removal of the Meter Maids from the street brings to an end to a tradition dating back to the 1960s, when it was a civic promotion aimed at saving tourists from parking fines to generate goodwill.

Meter Maid Kathy Ford 1969.

Ms Aitchison privatised it after taking over the trademark and has tried unsuccessful ventures including a Meter Maid bar and a Meter Maid beach food delivery service.

“It’s shocking really,” Ms Aitchison said.

“We’re the meet-and-greet girls and a part of Gold Coast history.

“They forget that I’ve been holding up the flag for the Gold Coast for the last 40 years.”