This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Crowdfunding Campaign To Pay Fine For Tony Abbott Insult

Internet Comes To Rescue For Sydney Icon Fined For Abbott Slur
Supplied/Humans of Newtown Facebook

A colourful identity known for wearing provocative sandwich boards on Sydney streets has been fined after calling Tony Abbott an offensive word, but the internet has come to his rescue.

A crowdfunding campaign formed overnight to assist Sydney icon Danny Lim after he was fined $500 for using the "c word" in a sign describing the prime minister.

Lim, known around the city for the sandwich boards he wears while wandering the streets, was fined by police at Edgecliff on Monday for his latest board, which read, "Peace Smile, People can Change, Tony You Can't." The 'a' in "can't" was written upside down to hint at a much ruder word.

Lim with a similar sign to the one he was fined for (Supplied/Humans of Newtown Facebook)

Rose Bay police said Lim was issued a $500 fine and a move-on order for "offensive behaviour," prompting Lim's legion of online fans to step in.

"We posted the story on our Facebook, and someone said she'd love to help him out. It gave me the idea for a crowdfunding page," said James Brechney, of LGBTI group DIY Rainbow.

An earlier, less offensive, sign (Supplied/Facebook)

The page on crowdfunding site GoFundMe, titled "Danny Lim's Ridiculous Fine," raised the $500 in just 56 minutes.

"We should be celebrating Danny. It's sad he got fined for expressing his freedom of speech. I don't necessarily endorse everything he says, but the general vibe is that he should be able to wear the board," Brechney said.

"He spreads so much happiness. All the cars beep as he goes by, he waves along the streets with positive affirmation. He's fabulous. it's such a feel-good buzz."

Brechney said he found Lim at Edgecliff on Tuesday morning to tell him the news. He said Lim was "overwhelmed by the generosity" but planned to fight the fine.

"He'll likely want to go to court to get the fine cleared. He wants the money to go to charity," Brechney said.

Brechney and Lim at Edgecliff on Tuesday (Supplied/James Brechney)

Lim, a former Strathfield councillor, is a cult figure in many parts of Sydney. A regular feature in Sydney's east and inner-west, he is often photographed and is a popular figure on social media. A photocaptured by Facebook page Humans Of Newtown appears to show an earlier, less subtle, version of the offending sign.

Lim was pictured earlier in August speaking with Malcolm Turnbull while wearing the same sign. The Daily Telegraph reported Turnbull claimed he "didn’t see the words on the sign but that he "deplore[s] such language and will let Danny Lim know my feelings next time I see him."

Lim's Facebook page shows this is not his first outing to spout anti-Abbott sentiments, having made several similar signs in the past.

(Supplied/Facebook)

(Supplied/Facebook)

(Supplied/Facebook)

But Lim is probably better-known for his positive, sunny signs.

(Supplied/Facebook)

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.