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What is a Gold Coast Metermaid? Page 2 of 3
 By December 1964 there were two Meter Maids employed on a full time basis. Their salaries and
expenses were paid for by regular weekly donations from local shops and businesses. The Meter Maid phenomenon brought many requests to use a Meter Maid for public appearances. The Meter Maids were sent to various
events around Australia and later travelled as far away as Canada, Japan and New Zealand to promote the Gold Coast.
In 1968, the then Mayor Sir Bruce Small travelled to many
council sponsored promotions throughout the state and the Meter Maids provided the glamour component. The Progress Association soon became disenchanted with Sir Bruce's
policies and so the use of Meter Maids by council was denied.  This prompted Sir Bruce to introduce his own promotional
girls and to call them Gold Coast Courtesy Maids. Although there were several beautiful and talented girls in the Courtesy Maid line-up, such as future television personality Delvene Delaney, they never
attracted the same media interest as the Meter Maids.
METER MAIDS TODAY
In the nineties, the Queensland Meter Maids, under the capable leadership of Lisa Hassan continue this "meter feeding"
service. However as Lisa points out, the role of the Meter Maid has changed since the 60's.
"We do so much more than just save motorists from parking fines," she says.
"The Queensland Meter Maids are involved in a number of community activities, including fundraising for charities, assisting tourists, promoting tourism and local businesses and
making general appearances. Every week, we participate in the Meals On Wheels program and we all love doing it. Another charity that we always play a part in is the Variety Club's
annual Kids Party for children with special needs."
 The Queensland Meter Maids have recently expanded their services and
opened a Meter Maid Museum and Cafe. It provides a friendly atmosphere for locals and tourists to visit. While enjoying a cuppa, you can wander down memory lane and
through the detailed exhibition, get an idea of how the Meter Maid concept has developed over the years. There is also information on sun awareness and beach safety and local charities.
 It also features a special beach scene, where tourists can have their photo taken with a Meter Maid.
The Museum further provides the Meter Maids with an
opportunity to promote their Special Sponsors in an effective way. Funding for the Meter Maids is still solely reliant on sponsorship and donations from the local business sector.
The current major sponsors include the the Ramada Hotel, radio station Hott FM and the Paradise Centre who have been supporting the service for the last four years.
 Lisa started out
as a Meter Maid herself and despite having to devote a lot of her time towards administration and constantly sourcing new avenues for funding and promotions, admits to still donning the gold uniform and
patrolling the streets of Surfers Paradise.
"I just enjoy being out there and meeting people. It is a great job," she says.
"Most people are extremely appreciative of the service we
provide and it is funny to see the reactions of people from other countries like the USA for example where Meter Maids are known as the people that actually issue the fines for offending motorists."
During the peak tourist season, the Meter Maids have up to ten girls on staff, but in the winter Lisa cuts it down to six. So, what about Meter Men?
"I love the concept and we have in fact had a couple of guys working for us in the past and they have all been extremely well received, but in the end, they haven't had the commitment and
we've lost them," Lisa reflects.
"We are constantly looking for guys to fill the shorts, so to speak."
THE FUTURE
Lisa's plans for the future include a two week European tour
including visits to France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK. She hopes to drum up enough support from the business community to produce a booklet titled "A Guide to the Gold Coast".
 "Since the influx of Asian tourism has dropped due to the currency crisis, I think it is important to look at new markets," Lisa says.
Whatever happens, Lisa is
adamant that the Meter Maids do not lose sight of the fundamental reasons for their existence and she also reaffirms her commitment to continue supporting as many local charities as possible.
 "One of my dreams would be to be able to provide some sort of assistance to young people with real ambitions. Maybe some sort of scholarship."
Another idea that has been mooted by none other than the original Meter Maid, Annette Welch is to hold a Meter Maid reunion and ball for all previous Meter Maids and supporters.
"It is a great idea and I hope that we can do it," Lisa says.
In the meantime, all we have to say is keep up the good work and feed those meters! We at
Swimsuit International hope that local businesses see the importance in having a service like this promoting the region and provide the necessary financial support.
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