Councillor Robert Belleli
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Gerald
Jan 7, 2009, 1:25:46 AM1/7/09
to Free Beach Forum
Councillor's kiddie scare at Congwong
07 Jan 09 @ 10:00am by Nick Moncrieff-Hill
[Photo] Cr Robert Belleli.
Randwick councillor Robert Belleli has claimed that paedophiles are
patrolling Little Congwong beach and called for a greater police
presence.
In a letter to Ray Brownlee, the council's general manager, Cr Belleli
said he had become aware of nudists at the controversial beach
"speaking in a sexual manner about three- and four-year-old children".
"I've said it once and I will say it again, nudism, naturalism on
Little Congwong is a breeding ground for illegal sexual activity," he
said.
In light of the information he had received from a "reliable source",
Cr Belleli said he would be strengthening his calls for more police to
patrol the beach. "The excuse that police will be taken away from
domestic violence does not wash anymore, as our children need to be
protected from such a breeding ground of filth," he said.
Free Beach Action Group member Gerald Ganglbauer, however, said the
councillor's accusations were "too weird".
"I don't believe it: it's so manufactured, fabricated. I think this
guy has a serious problem with nudity and has a pet hate for us," he
said.
While Mr Ganglbauer said he would not deny the existence of
paedophiles in the Eastern Suburbs, he argued that they would be "just
as likely to be in Bondi or Coogee".
Mr Ganglbauer also claimed that "good naturist families" had avoided
Little Congwong beach because of a smear campaign run by Cr Belleli,
which had in turn attracted more "weirdos in Speedos".
"His doing, banning decent naturists instead of the other, only brings
back the Speedo queens and the gay beat, and perhaps other riffraff,
if there's any truth at all in this hearsay," he said.
The Free Beach Action Group recently called for NSW Deputy Premier
Carmel Tebbutt to allow a three-month trial of nude bathing at Little
Congwong beach.
Ms Tebbutt is yet to respond to the request.
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/councillors-kiddie-scare-at-congwong/
07 Jan 09 @ 10:00am by Nick Moncrieff-Hill
[Photo] Cr Robert Belleli.
Randwick councillor Robert Belleli has claimed that paedophiles are
patrolling Little Congwong beach and called for a greater police
presence.
In a letter to Ray Brownlee, the council's general manager, Cr Belleli
said he had become aware of nudists at the controversial beach
"speaking in a sexual manner about three- and four-year-old children".
"I've said it once and I will say it again, nudism, naturalism on
Little Congwong is a breeding ground for illegal sexual activity," he
said.
In light of the information he had received from a "reliable source",
Cr Belleli said he would be strengthening his calls for more police to
patrol the beach. "The excuse that police will be taken away from
domestic violence does not wash anymore, as our children need to be
protected from such a breeding ground of filth," he said.
Free Beach Action Group member Gerald Ganglbauer, however, said the
councillor's accusations were "too weird".
"I don't believe it: it's so manufactured, fabricated. I think this
guy has a serious problem with nudity and has a pet hate for us," he
said.
While Mr Ganglbauer said he would not deny the existence of
paedophiles in the Eastern Suburbs, he argued that they would be "just
as likely to be in Bondi or Coogee".
Mr Ganglbauer also claimed that "good naturist families" had avoided
Little Congwong beach because of a smear campaign run by Cr Belleli,
which had in turn attracted more "weirdos in Speedos".
"His doing, banning decent naturists instead of the other, only brings
back the Speedo queens and the gay beat, and perhaps other riffraff,
if there's any truth at all in this hearsay," he said.
The Free Beach Action Group recently called for NSW Deputy Premier
Carmel Tebbutt to allow a three-month trial of nude bathing at Little
Congwong beach.
Ms Tebbutt is yet to respond to the request.
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/councillors-kiddie-scare-at-congwong/
Gerald
Jan 18, 2009, 11:46:14 PM1/18/09
to Free Beach Forum
Online Comments
Ryan writes:
Posted on 9 Jan 09 at 02:17pm
Aren’t other members of the public alarmed and concerned by the
passion and enthusiasm shown by Robert Belleli in his preoccupation
with this topic?
It is very alarming that Robert Belleli in his role as a community
leader and as someone who has a long business history of working with
children - seems to exhaust so much of his time and energy thinking
about paedophilia and in his own words, ‘…illegal sexual activity’.
Katina writes:
Posted on 8 Jan 09 at 08:29am
I also noticed yesterday that due to the lesser participation of
regular naturists (triggered by Cr Belleli’s personal campaign) the
“new” clothed crowd does not have the same respect for the beach
housekeeping and obviously the environment looking noticeable
deteriorated.
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/councillors-kiddie-scare-at-congwong/
Ryan writes:
Posted on 9 Jan 09 at 02:17pm
Aren’t other members of the public alarmed and concerned by the
passion and enthusiasm shown by Robert Belleli in his preoccupation
with this topic?
It is very alarming that Robert Belleli in his role as a community
leader and as someone who has a long business history of working with
children - seems to exhaust so much of his time and energy thinking
about paedophilia and in his own words, ‘…illegal sexual activity’.
Katina writes:
Posted on 8 Jan 09 at 08:29am
I also noticed yesterday that due to the lesser participation of
regular naturists (triggered by Cr Belleli’s personal campaign) the
“new” clothed crowd does not have the same respect for the beach
housekeeping and obviously the environment looking noticeable
deteriorated.
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/councillors-kiddie-scare-at-congwong/
Gerald
Jan 19, 2009, 12:09:34 AM1/19/09
to Free Beach Forum
Southern Courier
Letters to the Editor (in print)
13 January 2009
The naked truth
I read the remarks of Liberal councillor Robert Belleli relating to a
potential paedophile gathering point at Little Congwong beach
("Councillor’s kiddie scare at Congwong”, Courier, January 6) with
such bemusement that I almost spat my cup of chai onto the Courier
itself.
Indeed, it has only reinforced my resolve to write a satire (and
perhaps a musical) based on Cr Belleli’s moral crusade to push his
Catholic guilt concerning the nude body onto the whole community.
Perhaps Cr Belleli would do well to remember that this newspaper only
recently reported on the conviction of former Randwick councillor John
Kenny on child sex charges.
Yes, a councillor who represented the very same Liberal Party that Cr
Belleli is a part of. And coincidentally both Kenny and Cr Belleli
were voted into local office in 2004.
If one follows the logic of Cr Belleli’s sly insinuations regarding
naturists as perhaps somehow more prone to perverted thoughts
involving children, I could quite easily make the case that local
councils may also be breeding grounds for paedophiles.
At least any such claim would have some empirical evidence backing it
up. Cr Belleli’s accusations say more about him than those he seeks to
condemn.
Serkan Ozturk
Kingsford
Line in the sand
I find E. McDonald’s Letter of the Week ("The fight to fry is a modest
matter”, Courier, December 16) mystifying, and wonder how the writer’s
logic works.
What does he/she propose? That all nudists forfeit their right to
voice their opinion because there are more pressing matters to deal
with?
The assumption E. McDonald makes, that Clover Moore has nothing better
to do than to campaign for nudists, is unfounded. Cr Moore has been an
excellent mayor for the City of Sydney and opened the Ultimo pool to
which the writer refers. She also won the recent election with a clear
majority.
Unlike E. McDonald, I find it understandable that Cr Moore rejected a
submission to allow nudity at Ultimo aquatic centre – it is frequented
by young children and families (as most aquatic centres are).
And there are a very small number of aquatic centres and no beaches in
her electorate.
I might point out that there are a number of beaches that are not
clothing optional, adjacent to Little Congwong. An example is Congwong
beach, which is only a short stroll away from Little Congwong.
In Sydney there are more than 50 beaches that are not clothing
optional, compared with only three beaches that are. Perhaps readers
who share E. McDonald’s opinion should consider this.
Sven Matthews
Randwick
Letters to the Editor (in print)
13 January 2009
The naked truth
I read the remarks of Liberal councillor Robert Belleli relating to a
potential paedophile gathering point at Little Congwong beach
("Councillor’s kiddie scare at Congwong”, Courier, January 6) with
such bemusement that I almost spat my cup of chai onto the Courier
itself.
Indeed, it has only reinforced my resolve to write a satire (and
perhaps a musical) based on Cr Belleli’s moral crusade to push his
Catholic guilt concerning the nude body onto the whole community.
Perhaps Cr Belleli would do well to remember that this newspaper only
recently reported on the conviction of former Randwick councillor John
Kenny on child sex charges.
Yes, a councillor who represented the very same Liberal Party that Cr
Belleli is a part of. And coincidentally both Kenny and Cr Belleli
were voted into local office in 2004.
If one follows the logic of Cr Belleli’s sly insinuations regarding
naturists as perhaps somehow more prone to perverted thoughts
involving children, I could quite easily make the case that local
councils may also be breeding grounds for paedophiles.
At least any such claim would have some empirical evidence backing it
up. Cr Belleli’s accusations say more about him than those he seeks to
condemn.
Serkan Ozturk
Kingsford
Line in the sand
I find E. McDonald’s Letter of the Week ("The fight to fry is a modest
matter”, Courier, December 16) mystifying, and wonder how the writer’s
logic works.
What does he/she propose? That all nudists forfeit their right to
voice their opinion because there are more pressing matters to deal
with?
The assumption E. McDonald makes, that Clover Moore has nothing better
to do than to campaign for nudists, is unfounded. Cr Moore has been an
excellent mayor for the City of Sydney and opened the Ultimo pool to
which the writer refers. She also won the recent election with a clear
majority.
Unlike E. McDonald, I find it understandable that Cr Moore rejected a
submission to allow nudity at Ultimo aquatic centre – it is frequented
by young children and families (as most aquatic centres are).
And there are a very small number of aquatic centres and no beaches in
her electorate.
I might point out that there are a number of beaches that are not
clothing optional, adjacent to Little Congwong. An example is Congwong
beach, which is only a short stroll away from Little Congwong.
In Sydney there are more than 50 beaches that are not clothing
optional, compared with only three beaches that are. Perhaps readers
who share E. McDonald’s opinion should consider this.
Sven Matthews
Randwick
Gerald
Feb 19, 2009, 5:31:42 AM2/19/09
to Free Beach Forum
Southern Courier
Dear Editor
Confronted with strong accusations by Cr Belleli as part of his smear
campaign ('Councillor's kiddie scare at Congwong', 7 January 2009) I
said: "His doing, banning decent naturists instead of the other, only
This might have unintentionally implied a connection between decent
gay naturists and "other riffraff", when in fact Free Beach Action
NSW, just as genuine naturism, does not at all discriminate against
sexual preference. In our birthday suit it is completely irrelevant,
for we are all equal human beings simply enjoying the beach.
On 18 February Free Beach Action NSW met with representatives from
Community Action Against Homophobia. The meeting resolved that it has
to be reiterated that the group is not homophobic in its campaign to
have Little Congwong Beach designated as clothing optional beach.
Gerald Ganglbauer
--
Free Beach Action NSW
http://www.freebeach.info
PO Box 522, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Dear Editor
Confronted with strong accusations by Cr Belleli as part of his smear
campaign ('Councillor's kiddie scare at Congwong', 7 January 2009) I
said: "His doing, banning decent naturists instead of the other, only
brings back the Speedo queens and the gay beat, and perhaps other
riffraff, if there's any truth at all in this hearsay."
This might have unintentionally implied a connection between decent
gay naturists and "other riffraff", when in fact Free Beach Action
NSW, just as genuine naturism, does not at all discriminate against
sexual preference. In our birthday suit it is completely irrelevant,
for we are all equal human beings simply enjoying the beach.
On 18 February Free Beach Action NSW met with representatives from
Community Action Against Homophobia. The meeting resolved that it has
to be reiterated that the group is not homophobic in its campaign to
have Little Congwong Beach designated as clothing optional beach.
Gerald Ganglbauer
--
Free Beach Action NSW
http://www.freebeach.info
PO Box 522, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Gerald
Mar 5, 2009, 9:40:22 PM3/5/09
to Free Beach Forum
Fears of violence at Little Congwong
04 Mar 09 @ 07:00am by Nick Moncrieff-Hill
A Sydney-based action group is concerned that incidents of homophobia
at Little Congwong beach could escalate to physical violence.
Community Action Against Homophobia spokesman Chris Mansergh said
beach regulars had been confronted by youths shouting homophobic
taunts.
"There have been groups of youths taking it upon themselves to be
vigilantes, going down to Little Congwong harassing nudists and gay
people," he said.
"Members of Free Beach Action Group have also expressed their fear of
approaching these youths because they think it could lead to something
more violent. The beach does get busy during Mardi Gras, so we hope
there are no more instances of abuse."
Sgt Steve Rogers, of Maroubra police, said there hadn't been any
reports of homophobia at the beach.
But Mr Mansergh said recent homophobic incidents and comments reported
in the Southern Courier had led to the creation of the homophobia-free
beaches project which would "ensure all beaches remain homophobia-free
places with equal access and enjoyment for all - regardless of sexual
orientation".
Mr Mansergh said his group had been "alarmed and concerned by ill-
informed and highly emotive comments" that had been made about nudists
at Little Congwong.
"It is important to address homophobic comments and language in the
media around nude beach campaigns as it only serves to alienate gay
people, stereotype us in negative and offensive ways, create distrust,
and can rapidly escalate levels of homophobic violence and hate
crimes, both verbal and physical."
The spokesman for the Free Beach Action Group, Gerald Ganglbauer, said
the group would meet with the Climate Change and Environment Minister,
Carmel Tebbutt, to discuss their wish to have Little Congwong beach
made a clothing-optional area.
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fears-of-violence-at-little-congwong/
04 Mar 09 @ 07:00am by Nick Moncrieff-Hill
A Sydney-based action group is concerned that incidents of homophobia
at Little Congwong beach could escalate to physical violence.
Community Action Against Homophobia spokesman Chris Mansergh said
beach regulars had been confronted by youths shouting homophobic
taunts.
"There have been groups of youths taking it upon themselves to be
vigilantes, going down to Little Congwong harassing nudists and gay
people," he said.
"Members of Free Beach Action Group have also expressed their fear of
approaching these youths because they think it could lead to something
more violent. The beach does get busy during Mardi Gras, so we hope
there are no more instances of abuse."
Sgt Steve Rogers, of Maroubra police, said there hadn't been any
reports of homophobia at the beach.
But Mr Mansergh said recent homophobic incidents and comments reported
in the Southern Courier had led to the creation of the homophobia-free
beaches project which would "ensure all beaches remain homophobia-free
places with equal access and enjoyment for all - regardless of sexual
orientation".
Mr Mansergh said his group had been "alarmed and concerned by ill-
informed and highly emotive comments" that had been made about nudists
at Little Congwong.
"It is important to address homophobic comments and language in the
media around nude beach campaigns as it only serves to alienate gay
people, stereotype us in negative and offensive ways, create distrust,
and can rapidly escalate levels of homophobic violence and hate
crimes, both verbal and physical."
The spokesman for the Free Beach Action Group, Gerald Ganglbauer, said
the group would meet with the Climate Change and Environment Minister,
Carmel Tebbutt, to discuss their wish to have Little Congwong beach
made a clothing-optional area.
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fears-of-violence-at-little-congwong/
Gerald
Mar 13, 2009, 1:23:46 AM3/13/09
to Free Beach Forum
From: stu...@hotmail.com
To: ma...@ssonet.com.au
Subject: Nude News
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:47:53 +1100
In a recent editorial, nude activist Gerald Ganglbauer describes gay
people as "riffraff" (Councillor's kiddie scare at Congwong: Southern
Courier 07.01.2009). As convenor of Freebeach, his comments are
completely unacceptable and require an immediate apology. A minority
himself, he risks alienating the community and being viewed as
undeserving of nude-bathing on Sydney's beaches.
Stuart Baanstra, nudist
5/147 Buckland St
Alexandria NSW 2015
Tel: 02 9699 1726.
To: ma...@ssonet.com.au
Subject: Nude News
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:47:53 +1100
In a recent editorial, nude activist Gerald Ganglbauer describes gay
people as "riffraff" (Councillor's kiddie scare at Congwong: Southern
Courier 07.01.2009). As convenor of Freebeach, his comments are
completely unacceptable and require an immediate apology. A minority
himself, he risks alienating the community and being viewed as
undeserving of nude-bathing on Sydney's beaches.
Stuart Baanstra, nudist
5/147 Buckland St
Alexandria NSW 2015
Tel: 02 9699 1726.
Martha & Martin
Mar 13, 2009, 1:56:09 AM3/13/09
to free...@googlegroups.com
To our dearest GAY ACTIVIST (STUART).
I totally agree with Gerald and I wish you would find another place to haunt
and leave us naturists alone,go and find a gay beach where you and all your
group can enjoy each other.
Martin
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG.
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> 11/03/2009 8:42 PM
>
I totally agree with Gerald and I wish you would find another place to haunt
and leave us naturists alone,go and find a gay beach where you and all your
group can enjoy each other.
Martin
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG.
> Version: 7.5.557 / Virus Database: 270.11.10/1996 - Release Date:
> 11/03/2009 8:42 PM
>
Gerald
Mar 14, 2009, 2:18:46 AM3/14/09
to Free Beach Forum
Stuart, we don’t care about NUDISTS on Mardi Gras Fair Day*, we fight
for GENUINE NATURISTS, regardless of their sexual orientation, to win
back their designated clothing-optional and FAMILY-FRIENDLY free beach
– and NOT their GAY BEACH, as Chris Mansergh from CAAH referred to
Little Congwong Beach...
Gerald
*A Fair Mardi Gras?
Last Sunday I went to Mardi Gras Fair Day in Victoria Park. I went as
a nudist. Despite being clad in rubber bands, Fair Day management
complained we should "put our clothes on" as children were present.
Neither was management interested in a police letter explaining our
costumes met legal requirements, and threatened to call authorities.
As a result I left.
I wasn't aware nudity poses a threat to children, nor that we caused
offense to others. Could Mardi Gras please explain why it wasn't open
to reason and refused to accept our costumes?
Stuart Baanstra, Alexandria
http://www.alternativemediagroup.com/ThreadView.aspx?tid=15973#post_15973
for GENUINE NATURISTS, regardless of their sexual orientation, to win
back their designated clothing-optional and FAMILY-FRIENDLY free beach
– and NOT their GAY BEACH, as Chris Mansergh from CAAH referred to
Little Congwong Beach...
Gerald
*A Fair Mardi Gras?
Last Sunday I went to Mardi Gras Fair Day in Victoria Park. I went as
a nudist. Despite being clad in rubber bands, Fair Day management
complained we should "put our clothes on" as children were present.
Neither was management interested in a police letter explaining our
costumes met legal requirements, and threatened to call authorities.
As a result I left.
I wasn't aware nudity poses a threat to children, nor that we caused
offense to others. Could Mardi Gras please explain why it wasn't open
to reason and refused to accept our costumes?
Stuart Baanstra, Alexandria
http://www.alternativemediagroup.com/ThreadView.aspx?tid=15973#post_15973
Vince
Mar 17, 2009, 10:55:16 PM3/17/09
to Free Beach Forum
Hello Stuart,
glad to see you're on the ball. if you take a look at Gerald's
comments on the 19th Feb at 9:31 pm he made reference to this matter
by virtue of an explanation and clarified the point that it was
"unintentionally implied", "does not discriminate against sexual
preference", moreover he went on to state not only his but that of the
FBA NSW that we are not homophobic, in fact we welcome the support
from all community groups.
We trust this satisfies your concern and look forward to working
harmoniously together in our effort to legalise the beach.
Regards
Vince Bussa
On Mar 13, 4:23 pm, Gerald <geraldmob...@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
> From: stub...@hotmail.com
> To: m...@ssonet.com.au
glad to see you're on the ball. if you take a look at Gerald's
comments on the 19th Feb at 9:31 pm he made reference to this matter
by virtue of an explanation and clarified the point that it was
"unintentionally implied", "does not discriminate against sexual
preference", moreover he went on to state not only his but that of the
FBA NSW that we are not homophobic, in fact we welcome the support
from all community groups.
We trust this satisfies your concern and look forward to working
harmoniously together in our effort to legalise the beach.
Regards
Vince Bussa
On Mar 13, 4:23 pm, Gerald <geraldmob...@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
> From: stub...@hotmail.com
> To: m...@ssonet.com.au
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