It was meant to be a great evening out chucking steaks on the barbie with some mates, but turns out it wasn’t all that happy when the Down Under came to our heartlands to cook up a storm.
The night of June 28 was supposed to be the happiest day for meat lovers everywhere — 10,000 free beef and lamb steaks across 22 neighbourhoods as part of the 50 BBQs event to commemorate Australia’s 50 years of diplomatic relations with Singapore.
On the day itself, many were left sizzling in their own anger when they learned that attendance would be restricted by a ticketing system controlled by the People’s Association (PA) governmental statutory board, despite 50 BBQs previously being promoted as public event freely open to all.
The sudden twist of events with perceived exclusivity (many pointed out that the tickets were only handed out to grassroots members) left a sour taste in the mouths of many, and even The Sydney Morning Herald picked up on the outrage. Those who weren’t even allowed to enter the event for not having tickets expressed their displeasure on the Australia in Singapore Facebook page.
When enquired by The Sunday Morning Herald, The Australian High Commission did not respond to requests while the PA declined to comment. Even The Online Citizen approached the PA for clarification but has yet to receive and response.
Photos: Australia In Singapore Facebook page
