An ambitious plan to utilize a flotilla of jetskis on Sydney Harbour to raise money for the domestic abuse charity White Ribbon Australia has been criticized because jetskis have been forbidden on those waterways for decades.
This Friday, a flotilla of 50 jetskis was scheduled to form a ribbon shape under the Harbour Bridge in Sydney Harbour as part of a new campaign urging people to say No to Violence against women and children.
The eye-catching exhibit, which will involve multiple NSW government agencies, will coincide with White Ribbon Day.
Since 1999, the use of jet skis and other personal watercraft has been prohibited on Sydney Harbour, which has created misunderstanding and outrage among boat users and the opposition in New South Wales.
Last week, NSW Maritime stirred internet fury by marketing the agency’s participation in this Friday’s jetski flotilla on White Ribbon Day.
The event, which will collect funds for White Ribbon Australia, was granted exemption by the organizers.
Each week, one Australian woman is murdered by her current or previous spouse.
Jodie Harrison, the Labor shadow spokesperson, concurs with Natalie Ward, the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence minister. The shocking statistic cannot be ignored, yet the stunt was poorly conceived.
Ms. Harrison stated, “This is a terribly confusing way to begin what should be an ongoing and helpful debate.”
“The theme of White Ribbon Day 2022 is ‘Let’s Be the Change.’ Perhaps the government might shift the funds spent on water sports to an effort that will produce meaningful change for individuals affected by domestic abuse in New South Wales.”
The White Ribbon jetski event under the Harbour Bridge has sparked significant concern, as jetskis have been banned on Sydney Harbour since 1999 (photo).
Ms. Harrison further accused Dominic Perrottet of failing to meet his Premier’s Priority to reduce the number of domestic violence recidivists by 25% by the end of the next year.
She was not alone in her opposition to the stunt.
“Personal watercraft are prohibited for us, but you are using one?” One individual said on the NSW Maritime Facebook page, “Such hypocrisy… allow us to use pwc at port so we may ride for them instead of you and your marketing effort.”
It is prohibited to operate a personal watercraft anywhere in Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), which stretches from the Heads at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean to Parramatta in the western suburbs, according to the company’s website.
White Ribbon Australia was contacted by Daily Mail Australia for comment.
NSW Maritime, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Port Authority of NSW will all participate in the flotilla that coincides with Maritime Safety Queensland’s ride on the Brisbane River.
Jodie Harrison (left), a spokesperson for the NSW Opposition, branded the jetski flotilla as a tone-deaf spectacle.
White Ribbon Australia national director Allan Ball said, “On one of Australia’s most iconic rivers, the jetski show brings violence prevention front and center, sparking dialogues that we hope will motivate people to take action to affect change at the local level.”
A White Ribbon Australia spokesperson was criticized for suggesting the domestic abuse charity sell ‘wife beater’ singlets to earn funds.
They proposed selling the stuff for $1,000 and affixing a QR code that directed consumers to a domestic abuse awareness website on each item.
The ‘tone deaf’ suggestion infuriated many, with social media users expressing their disapproval.
It was the second occasion within days that the charity’s requests sparked criticism.
The charity was accused of launching a social media campaign with a photo of a man wearing a white ribbon in order to solicit donations for violence prevention education for males.
If you require assistance, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 737) or Lifeline 13 11 14
This Friday, Jetski flotillas in Sydney and Brisbane will promote an event that will raise funds for the White Ribbon Foundation.