Ballina & Byron Join Motion To Ban Sexist Vans At Splendour

Ballina and Byron Bay Councils have joined Splendour In The Grass‘ movement to rid the winter festival of the camper vans with sexist slogans. #SITG organisers have been warned festivalgoers to avoid hiring out vans with offensive slogans – aka Wicked Campers.

The Festival’s website posted a statement a fortnight ago saying, “if you’re booking a campervan, please steer clear of sexist slogans! You know who you are. It’s 2016, get with the program!!”

Byron Shire Councillor Duncan Dey has put forth the motion to place signs at entry points of Byron Bay letting drivers of the notorious vans know they are not welcome.

“The motion has been looked at by council staff. What they’re saying is that enforcement on offensive language is not something that a council can do. But any landowner can do it and so council could do it in relation to those vans trying to enter onto council property, like a caravan park,” Dey said.

Dey is seeking for support from NSW Premier Mike Baird’s on ridding the council caravan parks from the campervans.

“I haven’t seen the details … but people sort of getting around in campervans enjoying the coast seems a pretty normal thing to be doing. I don’t think it’s something that the state government should be getting involved in,” said Baird.

Spokesperson for the Facebook page Boycott Wicked Campers Paula Orbea said Splendour has taken a stand against the vans after being contacted follower of the group Kate Neale.

“I think it’s fantastic that Splendour took this stand after being contacted by [Kate]. It was her initiative,” Orbea says. “Yes, they are referring to Wicked.”

In 2014 Wicked Campervans owner Jack Webb committed to remove the sexist slogans on the vans, however at present there are still many being spotted on the roads.

Despite these notions, Wicked Vans has said they are “almost fully booked for Splendour”.

Splendour In The Grass 2016

FRI 22 – SUN 24  JULY
North Byron Parklands, Byron Bay

Get Tickets HERE

Splendour In The Grass 2016 Ticket Prices

3 day Event Ticket – $375 + booking fees
Single Day Tickets (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) – $159 + booking fees
Camping Ticket – $120 + booking fees