Karen from Brighton has joined Bec Judd and Peta Credlin by wearing the ‘Free Melbourne’ T-shirt
Rebecca Judd sparked debate by joining a protest by some of Melbourne’s biggest names to “free” the city from lockdown, and now Karen from Brighton has worn the T-shirt in rejoicing post-lockdown.
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Karen from Brighton has rejoiced in Melbourne’s new-found freedom by sporting a “Free Melbourne” T-shirt.
Following on from the likes of Rebecca Judd and Peta Credlin, Karen from Brighton, real name Jodi Grollo, wore the white T-shirt as she gave a thumbs up from her new home in Queensland.
“Woo hoo! Melbourne is finally FREE! #freedom #freemelbourne,’’ Grollo wrote.
Social media sensation Grollo escaped Victoria and spent two weeks in the Northern Territory quarantine facility at Howard Springs.
On Monday Premier Daniel Andrews announced the easing of restrictions after the state recorded zero new COVID-19 cases, and following seven months of lockdown.
Judd sparked debate last week by joining the protest along with some of Melbourne’s biggest names to “free” the city.
Credlin wore the T-shirt under her jacket on Sky News as she spoke with Alan Jones.
Judd made her stance clear in an Instagram story and while some called the move out of touch — coming weeks after she controversially called the Victorian Premier “Dictator Dan” in a similar style post that was later removed — others were quick to laud Judd for reflecting how many Victorians were feeling.
“It must be so hard for Bec Judd, spending lockdown in her multimillion-dollar mansion,” wrote one Twitter user.
“Imagine being this out of touch?” quipped another.
“I have so much empathy for small business owners of Melbourne. I do not have empathy for Bec Judd.”
Others wrote: “Good on you @becjuddloves for wanting your freedom.” And “Well done Bec.”
The “Free Melbourne” movement was started by former model and lawyer Rachel Holland, the wife of former Hawks star Nick Holland.
Among other celebs wearing the wearing the T-shirts are stylist Suzy Eskander who has relocated to Sydney, hospitality queen Chyka Keebaugh, hairdresser Joey Scandizzo, Nina O’Brien, the wife of Melbourne Cup winning trainer Danny, community advocate/charity campaigner Ann Peacock and restaurateur Chris Lucas.
When Peacock posted a picture of herself wearing the T-shirt she was inundated with comments, including one from Credlin applauding the initiative.
All proceeds are going to Beyond Blue to assist those suffering with mental health, with Holland selling over $30,000 of T-shirts so far.
“I wore the T-shirt and I was overwhelmed by the reaction,’’ Holland said.
“People were stopping me in the street. I sold 200 in a day on Thursday and can’t keep up with the demand. On Sunday I sold 280.
“The “Free Melbourne” message is not political, it’s not liberal or labor. It’s a bipartisan message about freeing Melbourne from one of the most extreme lockdowns in the world and
the devastating effect it is having on our city and the health of the people of Melbourne.”
Others who have a T-shirt are broadcaster Luke Darcy, businessman Adem Karafili and basketballer Liz Cambage. Shop owners were also reaching out to mum of two Holland.
“Melburnians were begging the Federal Government for help, high profile people with platforms were not speaking out and I thought I don’t want to be silent, even if I just wear a T-shirt, I am doing something,’’ Holland said.
“The numbers are low, the people have suffered, our freedoms have been taken from us. It’s time to ease restrictions.”
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