'Peace activist' fined for offensive Tony Abbott sign
Community activists have raised almost $2000 to help a former Strathfield councilor who was fined for offensive behaviour after brandishing a cardboard sign that took aim at Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
The self-titled peace activist Danny Lim was penalised after walking in Sydney wearing a cardboard sign that read: ‘People can change, Tony you c—t’.
Police on Monday issued Mr Lim with a $500 infringement notice and asked that he and his dog move on from the Edgecliff St Station after which locals reacted.
James Brechney heard of the situation on the news and started a GoFundMe campaign to assist the 71-year-old man in paying the infringement notice.
Mr Brechney today said that the $1900 raised between two separate community campaigns would be donated to charity as Mr Lim plans to dispute his notice.
"I got into a bit of a rant on Facebook and a few people asked how to help him so I started a GoFundMe. In an hour his fine was paid," Mr Brechney said.
"I'm not a close friends of his but he is always on the median strip outside my house, and always waving at motorists. He's a real character.
"The city needs more of that, not less," he continued. "There are so many issues the government could focus on; fining some geeza for wearing a sandwich board is rough."
A New South Wales spokeswoman said Mr Lim was advised he could return to the Edgecliff St Station site without the signs.
The 71-year-old can usually be spotted sporting cardboard signs that bear peace and love messages but his text has become more overtly political in recent times.
Mr Lim has told local media that the ‘offensive’ board was harmless.
"It's in the dictionary," he said. "I never knew this could happen in Australia."
Commuter Jeremy Hillman said Mr Lim appeared agitated during his conversation with police, who were reportedly responding to numerous complaints from passersby about the sign.
News break - August 25
